I'm so excited ....

... here is the cover proof of the book "Images of America: Harrodsburg" which Anna Armstrong and I are writing ....



What do you think! Personally, I LOVE it, but I'm a little prejudice.

Christmas - With A Smaller Waistline!

“People accumulate a large proportion of their yearly weight gain over the winter holiday season”

– Susan Z. Yanovski, M.D., Executive Director of National Task Force on the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity.

This is a class a good friend of mine is having and I thought some of you might be interested in it.

The Good News: According to a National Institute of Health study, the average American who begins the season at a healthy weight, gains just over one pound during the holiday season.

The Bad News: There is no bad news - if we move in a healthy direction.

The Best News: The choice is yours, and personalized help stands ready.

Let's get started: Saturday's, October 2nd through November 20th

Jackson Park in Danville, KY - 9:00a.m. - 10:00a.m.

Anderson Dean Park in Harrodsburg, KY - 10:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.

Each Saturday we will begin with 15 minutes of insightful tips on:

Self Talk/Self Image

Goal Setting

What is a Healthy Diet?

Understanding Food Labels/Healthy Shopping

Exercise

Stress Reduction

Wellness Assessment

Keeping the Weight Off

We'll finish up with a Walk (up to 45 minutes, by individual ability)

Space is Limited; Registration is Required

Introductory price: Suggested donation $5.00/session

Reply to: peacefulone@localnet.com

Bonus: Those with perfect attendance will receive a gift certificate from Peace & Well-Being for a private Wellness Coaching session. ($25.00 value)

Taught by Harrodsburg resident, Ms. Pat Osborn

(Qualifications: Bachelor of Integrated Studies; Member National Weight Control Registry)

Sugarcult ...

... one of my favorite "newer" bands, has released a song with my daughter's name - sweet!



CHRISITINE

What's wrong?
I feel so alone again.
The look in your eyes sometimes...
pretending that it's all right.
Make up and move on,
our ways never change
and I can get anyone that I want -
you'll see christine.
And I would do anything if you could believe in me,
but girl-you play those tricks
and make a fool out of me.
That's the way it goes here. can't stand loving you anymore.
I try my best, but I'm back for more.
My heart beat stops every time you leave me.
Hanging on lately...
last night,
she came back into my life.
To play with my head this time.
She's hanging me out for dead
I take it and move on,
our ways will never change
and I can get anyone that I want -
you'll see Christine.
And I would do anything if you could believe in me.
But girl, you play those tricks
and make a fool out of me.
That's the way it goes here.
I can't stand loving you anymore.
I try my best, but i'm back for more.
My heart beat stops every time you leave me.
Hanging on lately...
Take her away, take her away, take her away from this place.
Take her away, take her away, take her away from this place.
What's wrong?
I feel so alone again.
I flunked out a thousand times,
it's making me realize,
that i'm back and better for us.
Our ways will never change
and I can get anyone that I want -
you'll see Christine.
and I would do anything if you could believe in me.
But girl, you play those tricks
and make a fool out of me.
you'll see, Christine.

"WEEDS" is back ......

Copyright Showtime Logo

..... I know I shouldn't like this show because Nancy is such a lousy mom, but I just can't help it. I missed watching it Monday night when it premiered, so we finally got to watch it last night - WOW!!

Weeds Season 6 Episode 1: "A “Thwack”

*****SPOILER ALERT*****

When we last left Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) and the gang, Nancy and Shane (Alexander Gould) were standing by the pool watching a dead Pilar (Kate del Castillo floating in the water. It seems that our mild-manner Shane has learned some new tricks from all the violence in his life. He hit Pilar in the head with a croquet mallet (think "The Shining" by Stephen King - the book, not the first movie).

If last night's premier of Season 6 is any indication, WEEDS is off to a rip-roaring start. Nancy looks dazed and confused, but Shane seems unaffected, even though he does have that crazed look in his eye.

Copyright Showtime

In Shane’s eyes, this death “Thwack” to Pilar was necessary on order to protect his family. He overheard Pilar threatening both he and Silas. Pilar told Nancy that the baby was all they needed to "complete a happy family." She threatened Silas and Shane with a car wreck or a plane crash.

So, in typical Nancy fashion, the family is fleeing from another town. They pick up Silas (Hunter Parrish) who is totally unaware of what Shane did. When they get back to Estaban's house, Nancy tells the housekeeper Lupita (Renee Victor) to get everything packed and grab the baby because they are leaving for good.

While Nancy gathers her things, Shane tries to engage Silas in a game of air hockey. When Silas asks Shane what really happened at the house, calmly Shane replies: “I killed Pilar, with a croquet mallet by the pool. She was gonna kill us so I popped the bitch, right in the melon. THWACK! SPLASH! DEAD!” I have never felt more sorry for Silas in all the series - he has always been the "bad" boy, but now he looks in shock as he finds out what his younger brother is capable of.

Lupita, Shane, Silas, Nancy and the baby have all their stuff packed into Nancy's little Prius and they are stuffed in like sardines. This is when Nancy says, "We're goin' need a bigger boat." (Who didn't see that line coming?) Nancy directs Silas - who is driving because Nancy is too drunk - to drive them to Andy's (Justin Kirk), so they can "borrow" his new minivan to make it easier to flee.

Copyright Daemon's TV

Of course, Andy is having troubles of his own because his fiancé Audra (Alanis Morissette), is still being held hostage by a deranged catholic, anti-abortion freak. Nancy, being the bad ass she is, busts in the room and demands the keys to the van. Needless to say, the kidnapper ends up tied to a chair. Nancy now has the keys to Andy’s van and tells Andy that he can come along if he wants to. Poor Andy, he could have had a good life with Audra, but he failed the test (Audra said she'd never take him back and he didn't fight for her). So, Andy goes on the little road trip with the family.

As I said earlier, WEEDS is off to a rip-roaring start ....

Zombies crawl for backpack program

I am a HUGE supporter of the "Backpack Program" that most schools in Kentucky participate in. In case you don't know what this program is, it basically is a way to make sure underprivileged children/students have food to eat on the weekends when they are home. The children can depend on breakfast and lunch at school, but many children go without food on the weekends. Easy to prepare foods a child is able to fix in the microwave are the what most school are looking for. They fill up backpacks and the children taken them home on Friday and return the backpacks on Monday.

This past weekend, Harrodsburg held its 1st Annual Zombie Crawl to support the Backpack Program. Food items and monetary support came from all over our community. This was sponsored by The Arts Council of Mercer County and Goldie Goldsmith of Studio G. Below are a few of the fun photos from the event.

The 1st Annual "Zombie Crawl" in downtown Harrodsburg on August 13, 2010 was a huge success. Below are some photos from the event:

Tim White - Head Zombie

Tim White, Candace Thomas, and Jennifer Fister

Brody Pitman

Kelly Simpson and Madison Phillips

Kelly Simpson

"Thriller" courtesy of Goldie Goldsmith and Studio G

Kelly Simpson

"It's just a Thriller, Thriller night ..."

"Let's do the Time Warp again ... it's just a step to the left and a jump to the right ..."

Time Warp

Zombie Dog

One of the drummers

The entire cast of Zombies

Care and Feeding of Nightmares

For anyone who would like to purchase my 2nd chapbook of poetry, "Care and Feeding of Nightmares" - you can email me at:

careandfeedingofnightmares@gmail.com

with your snail-mail address. The books are $5 each plus $2 for shipping and handling. I hope to have PayPal set up on my blog in a few weeks for payments, but currently I can only accept checks or money orders. I will mail out the book on the day I receive your order. You can also buy the books at J. Sampson Antiques on Main Street in Harrodsburg. Thanks to everyone who buys a book!

Votes for Women Celebration...

...90 Years and Counting!



A great deal of sacrifice was endured by the brave women working for women suffrage. The passage of the 19th amendment was a hard fought battle waged mostly by women … women of various political beliefs, backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities. They worked together, marched together, were jailed and beaten together. More importantly, they won together!

Each of us honors their sacrifice by voting knowledgeably in every election. However, this year we have an opportunity to show visibly the pride and unity of women and the power of our vote!

The 90th Anniversary of women winning the right to vote in America is August 26, 2010, and we must not let this date pass without fanfare, celebration, and meaning. The Kentucky Commission on Women invites you to join in the VOTES for WOMEN Celebration … 90 YEARS and COUNTING! This event will be held on Thursday, August 26th, 2010 at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky beginning at 10:30 a.m. On this day, let’s demonstrate the pride we take in honoring our foremothers for fighting for the right to have our voices heard through the power of the vote.

Please review the program schedule of events and plan now to bring a carload! Encourage your organization or club members to attend and become a financial co-sponsor!

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or, if you haven’t yet registered to vote, you will want to attend this event held at the Frankfort State Capitol to pay tribute to those women who risk their lives so Kentucky women could have a voice. We owe the brave women (and men) who stood up, spoke up and protested the inequality of the silencing of women’s voices. This day is too important to let go by without showing appreciation for what they endured and accomplished.

Please contact our office for questions at 502-564-2611 (ask for Commission on Women).


Hope to see you there… wearing your grandmother’s suffrage hat!


Event Honorary Co-Chairs

Marie Humphries, 1968-1970, Governor Louie Nunn

Marie Abrams, 1971-1974, Governor Wendell Ford

Helen Howard Hughes, 1974-1979, Governor Julian Carroll

Jessica Loving, 1979-1983, Governor John Y. Brown, Jr.

Robin Crigler, 1983-1987, Governor Martha Layne Collins

Phyllis Alexander, 1987-1991, Governor Wallace Wilkinson

Marsha Weinstein, 1992-1996, Governor Brereton Jones

Virginia Woodward, 1996-1998, Governor Paul Patton

Eugenia Potter, 1998-2000, Governor Paul Patton

BetsyNowland-Curry, 2000-2004, Governor Paul Patton

Glenda Woods, 2004-2007, Governor Ernie Fletcher
(Former Executive Directors of the Kentucky Commission on Women)

Loch Ness is Yummy

As many of you know, my youngest daughter, Christine, turned 18 this week. Even though she is legally an adult know, here is a picture of the special request birthday cake "Sharon's Cakes" made for her:



Of course, one of the first things my brand-new 18 year old did was go to the Mercer Public Library and have her status changed so she could check out VHS tapes and DVDs. What did she come home with? Winnie the Pooh videos ...

Maybe she's not growing as fast as I thought she was. If only I could keep her like this forever ...

I Have a Confession ...

... this summer I have found a guilty pleasure that is quickly becoming addictive - "Pretty Little Liars." Believe it or not, this scrumptious show started out as a book series I had never heard of (imagine that!). "Pretty Little Liars" is a series of YA books by Sara Shepard. The series follows the lives of four girls — Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily — whose clique falls apart after the disappearance of their leader, Alison. Three years later, they begin receiving text messages from someone using the name "A" who threatens to expose their secrets — including long-hidden ones they thought only Alison knew.



The series debuted on the ABC Family Channel in June and is quickly turning into a must-see, who-done-it type soap opera. It has been called the "Desperate Housewives" for the younger demographic.

Here is a YouTube video of the opening theme - and it's actually a theme song and not just a little jingle like most new shows.



You can believe, I will be finding these books and adding them to my "To Be Read" pile!

HEART is headed back to the top of the charts ...

... with Red Velvet Car by legendary female rock band, HEART, will be released on Sony Legacy on August 31st in the USA in digital and CD versions. Produced by Ben Mink the 10 song tracklist is: There You Go, WTF, Red Velvet Car, Queen City, Hey You, Wheels, Safronia´s Mark, Death Valley, Sunflower and Sand.

Here's the link for "Red Velvet Car" - I LOVE this song!

1st Trip to Elliott County

I have permission to post this commentary from a day in the life of a TV news reporter and videographer - courtesy of Kristen Pflum (reporting) and featuring my hubby (videographer). Hilarious!! WLEX is definitely "coverage you can count on!"

1st Trip To Elliott County, Definitely A Memorable One - July 22, 2010

There aren't too many counties in central or eastern Kentucky that I have not visited in my five years at WLEX. They're serious when they say "Coverage You Can Count On," even if it's on the boundaries of our viewing area. We go EVERYWHERE.

Obviously, the big news this week has been the constant rain and the havoc it's wreaking on flood prone areas of eastern Kentucky. Monday and Tuesday it was Pikeville, overnight the northeastern part of the state took a pretty good hit, thus my trip today to Elliott County. I always thought that county looked tiny on a map. I found today, winding down miles and miles of rural roads in a 1-ton satellite truck, it's bigger than it seems.

My photographer Keith and I were trying to work quickly so that we could meet our other crew who was covering a missing woman in neighboring Carter County. Long story short, we drove several miles looking for damage visual enough to show in our 5:30 newscast and in the process of searching came across some interesting things. While I was shooting an "as-live" (as we call it) Keith and I heard something in the water. Sounded like a paddle boat swishing around, but then I heard the "mooooo!." It was a poor cow who had become stranded in the flood waters. He was coming to check out what we were doing...and scared the bageezus out of the reporter in the pink boots (me) in the process!

The stylin' pink rain boots

We were then told to keep going down the water covered road to find the bridge that was washed out over Little Brushy Creek. That's when we were told, "just turn at the big, huge red barn." If you saw the picture I posted, the barn didn't match that description AT ALL, but we found what we were looking for so no biggie...

The RED barn that was actually BLACK

When we were finished, we hit the road again that would take us to Carter County and while on our way, we saw one of the cruelest things I've ever witnessed. We were rounding a corner on one very rural road and came up on a woman who was stopped on the side of the road. As we passed (in a rolling billboard of LEX 18 I might add) the woman opened the back door and shooed a small dog out of the car, slammed the door and peeled off. The dog was so confused that he just sort of did a few circles in the middle of the road and took off into the woods. It might have been one of the more heartbreaking things I've ever witnessed. No doubt I've heard about that, but to see it actually happen was very sad. Needless to say it was a looooong day. I didn't pull into my driveway til around 8:15.

My hubby didn't get home until after 9pm because he had to drive home from Lexington.

Freedom Comes with Age

I received this email from a friend and it is so perfect, I had to pass it on. The comments in ( ) are my own personal observations.

Freedom Comes With Age
Author Unknown

I have seen too many dear friends and family leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer (or read or write) until 4 AM and sleep until noon (doesn't happen in my world)? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70s (mostly 80s), and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think (isn't that the truth!). I don't question myself anymore (at least not as much).

I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I'm (learning to) like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become and I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

Peace & Well-Being Seminar

Introducing...
Peace & Well-Being

Free Seminars this Sunday July 25th, 2010
by Ms. Pat Osborn


• Healthy Diet, from 2 to 3p.m.
• Exercise Basics, from 3 to 4 p.m.
• Goal Setting, from 4 to 5 p.m.


Harrodsburg, KY * Seating is Limited * $25 value, each


Reserve your spot in one or more classes:

peacefulone@localnet.com or 859-734-6839

My Tadpole

New pictures of my little tadpole ...

She truly is my little tadpole

First bath after her cord fell off


How come there's no milk here?


Tadpole swallowed by a frog!


Devon Mikayla and her dad, Mike


Baby Mohawk!


Come on, Mom - get this bow out of my hair!

Proud Graduate

Christine Nicole Rightmyer and her daddy, Keith - graduation night, May 28, 2010

It is hard for me to believe I no longer have a child in high school - where did the years go? My baby - Christine - graduated this past Friday night, with High Honors. To say we are proud of her would be an understatement.

Christine will now have the summer off before packing up to head to Berea College this fall. In case you've forgotten, Christine was awarded a full four-year academic scholarship to Berea. I'm trying very hard not to think about her leaving us, but I am going to miss her so much.

On the grandbaby front - my first grandchild is due any day now. My middle daughter - Marie - has been having some irregular contractions, so I'm hopeful it will be very soon, for her sake. Her due date is June 6th.

At this point in my life, I am still grieving the loss of my mother last week, so my blog posts may be very spotty for the next few weeks/months. In case I don't post again soon, I hope everyone has a fun, healthy, happy summer.

God bless you all ...

Bad News ...

... I'm sorry for being so out of touch, but I have some bad news to pass on to all my bloggy friends.

My mom passed away Sunday evening about 6pm. She was only 65 yo, but she had been in poor health for at least the past 6 months. We tried a few things in CCU to try and wake up her kidneys and other organs back up, but when we realized they weren't working, daddy made the decision - the right decision and mom's wishes - to turn all the machines off. She was in no pain and thankfully went peacefully.

Please keep my family in your prayers ...

The wonders of Plantain salve: http://ping.fm/y9y64

Wildflower of the week - Yellow Sweet Clover: http://ping.fm/qgUsg

Herb of the week - Basil: http://ping.fm/ETB6x

Food Friday: http://ping.fm/OQglV

Food Friday: http://ping.fm/a7B1o

The Bluegrass is having a Blackberry Winter: http://ping.fm/9eBMv

What's blooming around the Bluegrass? Mock Orange Shrubs: http://ping.fm/nRB3B

Learn more about Kentucky author, Ann H. Gabhart: http://ping.fm/O0WBH

Growing upside down tomatoes: http://ping.fm/0RlSM

What's growing in the Bluegrass herb garden? Dill: http://ping.fm/zW3zr

Introducting Kentucky author, Karen L. Newman: http://ping.fm/5nV2t

Readings and other literary events this week in the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/ePscQ

Make new plants for your garden by taking cuttings from existing plants: http://ping.fm/kjSaQ

Food Friday - this week, 2 different Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipes: http://ping.fm/gnL2h

You can't beat the magic of Willow Water to give you success with rooting new cuttings or transplanting annuals: http://ping.fm/Jrb4C

Peonies are starting to bud and flower all over the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/JLclR

Check out The Community of Mercer County Writers: http://ping.fm/Y6apv

Beware of invasive Amur Honeysuckle: http://ping.fm/aY7Zd

What's blooming around the Bluegrass? Black Locust - and nothing beats the fragrance: http://ping.fm/wTtrf

Check out "The Vagina Monologues" tonight at Natasha's Cafe in Lexington: http://ping.fm/OninJ

Mercer County Senior High Greenhouse will open to the public on Wednesday, April 28th: http://ping.fm/6tqqS

Food Friday - this week, Creamy Spinach Dip: http://ping.fm/gwJFF

Happy Kentucky Writers' Day!!: http://ping.fm/b87lm

Join Georgia Green Stamper tomorrow in Erlanger, Kentucky: http://ping.fm/wFoXE

Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day: http://ping.fm/0XDzY

"Hottest Bloggers" is a workshop at the Carnegie Center this weekend in Lexington: http://ping.fm/jLdx7

Way Back Wednesday - Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing is a 1987 Academy Award winning romance film, written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino. The film features Jennifer Grey (pre-nose job), Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Rhodes, and Jerry Orbach.

The movie takes place in 1963 and is the story of a teenaged girl and her relationship with an older dance instructor during a family summer vacation at the Kellerman Resort in the Catskill Mountains. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Grey) is swept off her feet by the sexy dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Swayze). Although her father forbids her to have anything to do with Johnny, Baby finds herself falling madly in love.

Some of my favorite scences include: Baby practicing her dance moves on the boardwalk, Johnny and Baby dancing on the log and in the lake, and of course, the last dance of the movie.

Favorite quotes from Dirty Dancing:

"Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em."

"Look, spaghetti arms. This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don't go into yours, you don't go into mine. You gotta hold the frame."

" I carried a watermelon."

"God, I'm so sick of this rain. Remind me not to take my honeymoon at Niagara Falls."

And the infamous: "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

Last dance of the movie. (Photo from movie is copyrighted)

Dirty Dancing won an Academy Award for Best Song - "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes; composed by Franke Previte, John deNicola, and Donald Markowitz. Of course, my favorite song of the movie is "Hungry Eyes" performed by Eric Carmen; composed by Franke Previte and John deNicola .

Want a pretty, eco-friendly way to deal with soggy areas in your lawn? Try planting a Rain Garden: http://ping.fm/2DaHX

Wisteria is blooming all over the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/dO4IK

One of my favorite "weeds" in the lawn - Plantain is great for bug bites, burns and other skin irritations: http://ping.fm/br9nN

Reforest the Bluegrass at Veterans Park in Lexington: http://ping.fm/QW8gY

Check out Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington: http://ping.fm/gHZSt

This week's Food Friday features Dandelions - Dandelion Jelly and Dandelion Salad: http://ping.fm/QbSwd

Composting part #2 - the 3 essential ingredients for a healthy compost heap: http://ping.fm/Kc8lZ

Way Back Wednesday - Godspell

Godspell was released in 1973 and is the film adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical Godspell created by John-Michael Tebelak. Set in modern New York City, it was filmed in New York in the fall of 1972.

This film stars Victor Garber as Jesus and David Haskell as John the Baptist/Judas.





A modern-day version of the gospels, opening with John the Baptist calling a group of young New Yorkers from their workaday lives to follow and learn from Jesus. They form a roving acting troupe that enacts the parables through song and dance, comedy, and mime. Jesus' ministry ends with a last supper, his Crucifixion in a junkyard, and, the following morning, his body being carried aloft by his apostles back into the world of the living on the streets of New York.

Godspell has a kind of simplicity and sweetness that are often the disguises of fierce anti-intellectualism. Jesus is portrayed as a tireless hoofer and a most engaging minstrel man. One of the finest production numbers is the ironic "All for the Best," which Jesus and John the Baptist sing and dance all over New York, highlighted by a marvelous soft-shoe done in front of the Bulova Watch sign overlooking Times Square.

I think my favorite character in the movie is a lonely girl named Robin - played by Robin Lamont - a beautiful honey blonde, who sings "Day by Day," and of several hugely funny parables acted out by virtually the entire company. I loved the wacky costume she wore and I actually dressed up like her for Halloween when I was 12 years old. "Day by Day" is also my favorite musical number of the movie.

"Day by day,
Day by day.
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly,
Day by day ...
Day by day by day by day..."

Godspell is one of my favorite movies from my youth. I like its music, its drive and its determination; it holds up to today's standards of musical performances. Not only did it have a wonderful message, but it helped to to understand more of the teachings I learned in Sunday School.

Don't let Chickweed in the lawn get you down: http://ping.fm/qOn4b

Wondering why lawns across the Bluegrass are suddenly turning purple? Check it out: http://ping.fm/GVQrv

Check out these weekend gardening events around the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/jKjhs

Food Friday is back! This week try a delicious "Asparagus & Chicken Rotini: http://ping.fm/M14UE

Way Back Wednesday - I'll Be There

To celebrate my love of Craig Ferguson, I'm highlighting one of his movies ...

... I'll Be There is a 2003 British comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Craig Ferguson, who, in his directorial debut, also stars in the film with singer Charlotte Church in her film debut.

A washed-up 80's pop star suddenly has a new direction in life when he discovers that he has a teenage daughter, Olivia, in Cardiff, Wales. The result of a weekend affair he had back at the height of his fame produced Olivia, a newspaper delivery girl for the South Wales Echo. He arrives in the small Welsh town, unsettling the life of his ex-lover while inspiring his newfound daughter to follow in his footsteps with a musical career of her own, against the wishes of her mother.

Favorite quotes:

Dr. Bridget: You drove your motorcycle through a second floor window in your house. Would you call that the act of a sane man?
Paul Kerr: Hey! I'm a rock star. I've driven cars into swimming pools and thrown television sets out of windows. It's part of the job!

Paul Kerr: Be reasonable, why would I try to kill myself? I'm rich and I'm Scottish, it doesn't get better than that.

Paul Kerr: I'm not mad, I'm just creative!

Paul Kerr: I just think its amazing that I bought a house so close to here. It's like Kermit!
Rebecca Edmonds: You mean kismet, Kermit's a frog you idiot!

Olivia Edmonds: Can I have twenty pounds please Mum?
Rebecca Edmonds: Why?
Olivia Edmonds: Well, I need currency to have a viable existence in a capitalist society.
Gordano: Ask a stupid question...

Look what's happening at the Lexington Arboretum: http://ping.fm/oYJ7N

Way Back Wednesday - Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride is a 2005 musical "stop-motion-animation" film directed by Tim Burton. It is set in a fictional Victorian era village in Britain and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.

Johnny Depp was the voice of Victor Van Dort and Helena Bonham Carter voiced Emily (the Corspe Bride). When a shy young Victor fails to recite his vows properly at his wedding rehersal to a complete stranger Victoria Everglott (voiced by Emily Watson), he flees to practice his vows in the woods.

But in typical Burton fashion, when Victor finally gets his vows correct, he accidently places the ring on the finger of the Corpse Bride and ends up in the afterlife known as the "land of the dead."

While Victor tries desperatly to get home, he finds out that his wife-to-be will be marrying someone else to save her family from the poor house. The man she is being forced to marry is the evil Lord Barkiss, who is only after Victoria for her money (not knowing that she and her family are now completely broke). When Victor and the rest of the dead finally get to the land of the living, a shocking discovery is made which reveals how the Corpse Bride died.

This is a charming comedy with interesting twists and turns.

Favorite quotes:

Victoria Everglot: Hildegard, what if Victor and I don't like each other?
Maudeline Everglot: Hmpf! As if that has anything to do with marriage. Do you suppose your father and I "like" each other?
Victoria Everglot: Surely you must, a little.
Maudeline Everglot, Finnis Everglot: Of course not!

Victor Van Dort: I want some questions! Now!
General Bonesapart: Answers... I think you mean answers.
Victor Van Dort: Thank you, yes, answers. I need answers.

The Corpse Bride: Isn't the view beautiful? It takes my breath away. Well, it would if I had any.

[Bonejangles creeps up behind Finnis; his eye falls into Finnis' bowl]
Finnis Everglot: There's an eye in me soup.

The Corpse Bride: [about Victor's dead dog, Scraps] What a cutie.
Victor Van Dort: You should have seen him with fur.

[Victor has snuck away from the Corpse Bride to find Victoria and listens to the arguing Everglots]
Finnis Everglot: If ever I see that Van Dort boy, I'll strangle him with my bare hands!
Maudeline Everglot: Your hands are too fat, and his neck is too thin. You'll have to use a rope.

Victor Van Dort: I've got a... I've got a dwarf, and I'm not afraid to use him!

The Corpse Bride: [about Victor] He's not my boyfriend, he's my husband.

S'more make the world go 'round

Saturday night, while most people were glued to big-screen televisions watching the Wildcats play, my family and I were gathered around a backyard bonfire roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Yummy!

With our hurried and hectic lives, we sometimes feel like we are moving on three separate tracks and it’s hard to find the occasional intersections. I currently work two part time jobs that keep me away from home, plus I’m working on a book project that takes many hours a day of my “home time.” My hubby works long hours and has a long commute daily from Lexington, so it’s usually late when he finally gets home. My youngest is still plugging away at homework while trying to finish up scholarship applications for college.

Meals at our house are always a late night affair and it is not unusual for us to sit down to supper at 8pm most weeknights. Granted, Christine and I could always eat earlier, but I hate cooking early and then having to warm it up for hubby – after a hard day of work, the least I can do is offer him a hot meal. So, mealtimes are late, but it is the one time of day when we are all three together. We talk about our day – many times, it’s complain about our day – and discuss what we have to do throughout the week. Who is going to be late on which nights, who will be cooking supper, are there any special meetings – these are just a few of the questions we have for each other at our night meals.

Even though you may feel your family is running on different tracks, make time for the little things throughout the week. It doesn’t have to be a big celebration or even a planned event, sometimes just an impromptu bonfire and s’mores is all it takes to recharge your family battery.

Bearded Iris are starting to come up all across the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/JNMwg

Bring spring into your home: http://ping.fm/2uIIs

Way Back Wednesday - Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. This is a suburban fairy tale of an artificial man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who is an unfinished creation with scissors for hands. Edward is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their teenage daughter.

An Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), discovers the half-finished experiment, Edward, of a mad scientist (Vincent Price) living in the neighborhood's old abandoned castle. The scientist died before replacing Edward's large shears with real hands. When Peg attempts to bring Edward into her suburban world, to live with her husband (Alan Arkin) and daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), her gossipy neighbors have a field day.

Edward's hands are dangerous, yet capable of creating beautiful topiaries from ordinary garden shrubbery. This film is full of awkward, funny, and poignant situations and is a story about tolerance, difference, and creativity as much as it is a story of a young man's coming of age.

Favorite quotes:

Kim: Hold me.
Edward: I can't.

Peg Boggs: The light concealing cream goes on first. Then you blend, and blend, and blend. Blending is the secret.

Jim: [after seeing Edward accidentally cut Kim] Hey! Now you've done it!
Kim: It was just a scratch Jim, really!
Peg Boggs: What's going on?
Jim: Call a doctor, he skewered Kim!
Kim: He didn't skewer me!

Bill: Sweetheart, you can't buy the necessities of life with cookies.

Jim: Forget about holding her hand, man. Think about the damage he could do to other places.

Bill: Soup's on!
Edward: I thought this was shish kabob.

Jim: I'd give my left nut to see that again.

Edward: Goodbye.
[Kim kisses Edward]
Kim: I love you.

Kim: You see, before he came down here, it never snowed. And afterwards, it did. If he weren't up there now... I don't think it would be snowing. Sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it.

Daffodils are spring up all over the Bluegrass: http://ping.fm/4Ccyt

Eclipse

It's finally here - the trailer for ECLIPSE - based on the 3rd book in Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT series. The movie opens June 30, 2010.